Chelsea target Marouane Fellaini as Lampard replacement

Chelsea have identified Marouane Fellaini as their preferred replacement for Frank Lampard and are planning to trigger a buyout clause in the Everton midfielder’s contract at the end of the season. It is understood that the five-year deal signed by the Belgian in 2011 allows him to leave Goodison Park if Everton receive a bid of £22 million or more from a Champions League club.

Chelsea were able to take advantage of such a buyout clause in Demba Ba’s contract with Newcastle United to sign the Senegal striker last week and will use similar tactics in an attempt to recruit Fellaini.

The Belgium international has been in sensational form this season and has been linked with the European Champions on numerous occasions. But with Chelsea legend Frank Lampard reportedly leaving the club in the summer the prospect of Fellaini moving to Stamford Bridge has become increasingly possible.